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A system and associated method for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages. The system includes a platform, a distance sensor, a robotic arm palletizer and a controller. The platform is configured and arranged with a support surface for supporting a fluid filled flexible package. The distance sen

A system and associated method for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages. The system includes a platform, a distance sensor, a robotic arm palletizer and a controller. The platform is configured and arranged with a support surface for supporting a fluid filled flexible package. The distance sensor is disposed above the support surface of the platform and faces downward towards the support surface for taking distance readings. The robotic arm palletizer is operable for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages according to a preprogrammed stacking protocol that includes a drop-off height dimension. The controller is in electrical communication with the distance sensor and the robotic arm for establishing or adjusting the drop-off height dimension based upon distance readings from the distance sensor.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages onto a pallet, comprising: (a) a platform configured and arranged with a support surface for supporting a fluid filled flexible package,(b) a downwardly facing distance sensor disposed a fixed distance above the support surface of the platfo

1. A system for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages onto a pallet, comprising: (a) a platform configured and arranged with a support surface for supporting a fluid filled flexible package,(b) a downwardly facing distance sensor disposed a fixed distance above the support surface of the platform operable for taking distance readings,(c) a robotic arm palletizer operable for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages according to a preprogrammed stacking protocol that includes a drop-off height dimension from which packages are released for free-fall deposit onto the pallet, and(d) a controller in electrical communication with the distance sensor and the robotic arm for establishing or adjusting the drop-off height dimension based upon the value of the distance readings obtained from the distance sensor when a fluid filled flexible package is situated on the support surface below the sensor. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid filled flexible packages are filled to weight. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the fluid in the fluid filled flexible packages is susceptible to a package-to-package variation in density. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fluid filled flexible packages are susceptible to package-to-package dimensional creep over time. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform is a conveyor. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the conveyor is a driven conveyor. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the distance sensor is supported directly above the support surface of the platform on a stationary cantilevered arm or gantry. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the distance sensor is an ultrasonic sensor or a laser distance sensor. 9. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller establishes a drop-off height dimension for each layer of fluid filled flexible packages with the drop-off height dimension of at least some of the layers established or adjusted based upon a height dimension of selected fluid filled flexible packages determined by taking a distance reading to ascertain a first distance between the distance sensor and a top surface of a fluid filled flexible package placed upon the support surface of the platform underneath the sensor, and subtracting the first distance from a known distance between the sensor and the support surface of the platform. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein a height dimension is determined for all fluid filled flexible packages palletized by the robotic arm. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein a height dimension is determined for at least one but less than three fluid filled flexible packages on each complete pallet that is palletized by the robotic arm. 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a presence sensor in electrical communication with the controller for sensing presence of a fluid filled flexible package underneath the distance sensor and transmitting an electrical presence signal to the controller when such presence is detected, wherein the controller is operable for triggering the distance sensor to take a distance reading when the presence signal is received. 13. A method for palletizing fluid filled flexible packages onto a pallet, comprising: (a) placing a fluid filled flexible package onto a surface of a platform,(b) determining a height dimension of the placed fluid filled flexible package by ascertaining a first distance between a distance sensor mounted a known and fixed distance above the surface of the platform and a top surface of the placed fluid filled flexible package and subtracting the first distance from the known distance,(c) palletizing a plurality of fluid filled flexible packages, including at least one fluid filled flexible package whose height dimension has been determined, with a robotic arm palletizer according to a preprogrammed stacking protocol that includes a drop-off height dimension,(d) establishing or adjusting the drop-off height dimension of the stacking protocol based upon the determined height dimension of the placed fluid filled flexible package, and(e) releasing packages for free-fall deposit onto the pallet from the established or adjusted drop-off height dimension. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fluid filled flexible packages are filled to weight and sealed prior to placement onto the platform. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the fluid in the fluid filled flexible packages is susceptible to a package-to-package variation in density. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fluid filled flexible packages are susceptible to package-to-package dimensional creep over time. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the height of the fluid filled flexible package is determined as the package is conveyed. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the height dimension of the fluid filled flexible package is determined with an ultrasonic sensor or a laser distance sensor. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the height dimension is determined for all fluid filled flexible packages palletized by the robotic arm. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the height dimension is determined for at least one but less than three fluid filled flexible packages on each complete pallet that is palletized by the robotic arm. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of (i) detecting presence of a fluid filled flexible package underneath the distance sensor, and (ii) triggering the distance sensor to take a distance measurement when such presence is detected.